Pack smart, travel smarter: The latest travel apps and gadgets you need to know

This year, Diwali promises to be more than just a time for celebrations — it’s shaping up to be a season of exploration and travel. According to Booking. com, 77 per cent of Indian travellers plan to utilise the upcoming long weekend to explore new places and make the most of the festive break. Easy access to drivable locations like Ooty and Mahabaleshwar have seen a notable uptick as travellers seek quick escapes from urban life. Short-haul international destinations such as Dubai, Singapore and Bangkok are seeing similar traction. If you’re one of the many heading out this festive season, here’s a handy checklist of gizmos and programmes to make your globe-trotting life easier and more enjoyable.

To stay organised

Whether you’re jetting off abroad or planning a quick weekend getaway, the right travel apps can help keep your trip on track. Here are some must-haves:

TripIt: Perfect for impromptu travellers. This app will plan and create a suitable itinerary for you. All you have to do is forward your confirmation emails for flights, hotels and rental cars to TripCase, and it will automatically compile all your travel details into one itinerary. It can even remind you to check in for your flight and notify you of better seats as and when they become available.

PackPoint: This app helps you remember the essentials, and it also offers packing recommendations based on the climate where you’re headed. Pro tip: If you link PackPoint to TripIt, it will build your packing list automatically based on your travel activities.

Timeshifter: Used by the Canadian football team, this app is a game-changer when trying to adjust to different time zones. The app shares tips for when to indulge and avoid caffeine and the best, or worst, time for a nap to quickly acclimate you to the new clock.

Other apps worth exploring are Roadtrippers, Citymapper (for those who like to use public transport when travelling) and Hotel Tonight (great deals for same-day hotel bookings).

To stay charged

With so many apps, plans, tickets and reservations loaded onto your phone, the last thing you want is for it to die on you. Invest in a gadget that can charge your devices on the go, like the July Carry-On. In-built with an ejectable battery with standard USB and USB-C docks, the trolley charges both your phone and your laptop. The best part: The Carry On and power bank are allowed anywhere your mobile phone is so you can carry it onto the flight. Another great choice is the Anker 511 series, which has an in-built 90W AC wall outlet allowing you to run devices that aren’t USB-powered.

To stay entertained

Looking to capture memories on the go but your phone’s storage space is full? The Canon Ivy mini photo printer, which allows you to directly print from social media using zero-ink technology, comes in handy here. It can easily connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth, allowing you to print on the go, without cluttering up your storage. Another great pick is the JBL Clip 4. This waterproof portable Bluetooth speaker is designed for adventure, with a built-in carabiner that lets you clip it to your backpack or belt loop. With a 10-hour battery life, it’s ideal for long road trips or pool side gatherings.

Before you zip up your suitcase…

While not exactly a travel essential, these gadgets can make your vacation a whole lot better.

Mini portable oven: The electric food-warming tote from Hot Logic is a favourite of flight-crew personnel, particularly in hotel rooms that don’t have a microwave. It retails for about $35 on Amazon.

Temperature control smart mug: This smart mug from Ember keeps your drink at the exact temperature you choose, for up to 1.5 hours on a single charge. It’s equipped with a sensor that tells you the exact temperature of your chosen beverage. You can dial in your ideal heat preference through an app on your phone.